2023-12-14-LCC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

The Center Commi?ee voted Nine to Zero to recommend to the Select Board that the bus stop currently located in front of Conte Bikes be relocated to 1690- 1696 Mass Avenue (based on John Livsey’s presenta?on of having a bumpout design at this stop.) Sandhya Iyer gave the economic development update: Nothing new on the vacancies at Sanyo, Bulpan and Signature Sta?oners spaces. These are the largest spaces in the Center. No update on Karma. Jeﬀ noted that the Bulpan space has challenges – no windows, not accessible. It takes about 6 to 9 nine to rent a space. Sandhya noted that the Town put a lot of eﬀort into the Depot Square pop-ups in 2022. Further popups are not being considered. Basically, the Center customer base wants more restaurants. Jerry Michelson asked “What to do about long-term vacancies.” Innessa asked about incen?ves or ﬁnes. There was a discussion at the SB recently about tax breaks for proper?es under $1 million. There are very few proper?es in town that could take advantage of this tax break. Doug Lucente noted that Lexington could ask the state for special legisla?on. The Center workshop results will be wri?en up and go to the Select Board as a next step. Charles Hornig and Abby McCabe discussed the direc?on the Planning Board is going with Town Mee?ng ar?cles. A major overhaul of signage is contemplated due to recent legal decisions. We cannot regulate the content of signs. Move away from special permit to by right. Residen?al and business will be regulated the same way across town. Businesses can put sign up on any façade. All sign will be regulated by area. Projec?ng (blade) signs and awning signs will be by right. Jeﬀ and (we hope) Dick Brown will stay on this issue through the Planning Board process in an?cipa?on of suppor?ng these ar?cles at Town Mee?ng. Abby told us that Planning will update the table of uses with regard to ea?ng and drinking, combining restaurants and fast food into a single category. We want to permit small breweries and allow food uses into other districts, moving away from segrega?on of food uses. Sandhya noted that zoning is one piece but the Select Board regulates liquor licenses. There is no alcohol without food right now. Jerry suggested discussing how loosening up on alcohol regula?ons will aﬀect the Center. Capt. Barry noted that ABC regula?ons would have to be followed and people will need proper training. There consensus was that it would be okay to